Beloved Episcopal Priest Remembered in Celebration of Life

The Rev. John W. Murray III, known as Jack, was honored at St. John's Cathedral in Jacksonville, Florida.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:25pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of the interior of a church, with soft pools of warm light and color representing the joyful celebration of a life well-lived.The celebration of life service at St. John's Cathedral honored the legacy of a beloved Episcopal priest who dedicated his life to serving his community.Charleston Today

The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll, preacher, The Rev. Canon Mark S. Anderson, celebrant, The Rev. Thomas O'Dell, assisting, and Timothy Tuller, canon for music, led a celebration of life service for the Rev. John W. Murray III, known as Jack, who passed away peacefully at the age of 85. Murray was a native of Charleston, South Carolina, where he was raised at Grace Church Cathedral and first discerned his calling to the priesthood.

Why it matters

The celebration of life service at St. John's Cathedral in Jacksonville, Florida honored the legacy of a beloved Episcopal priest who dedicated his life to serving his community and the church. Murray's long career and impact on those he ministered to over the decades is being remembered through this memorial event.

The details

The service featured remarks from several clergy members who worked closely with Murray over the years, reflecting on his devotion to his faith and his kind, compassionate nature. Murray was known for his pastoral care and ability to connect with parishioners on a personal level.

  • The celebration of life service was held on April 10, 2026.

The players

The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll

The preacher at the celebration of life service for the Rev. John W. Murray III.

The Rev. Canon Mark S. Anderson

The celebrant at the celebration of life service for the Rev. John W. Murray III.

The Rev. Thomas O'Dell

An assisting clergy member at the celebration of life service for the Rev. John W. Murray III.

Timothy Tuller

The canon for music at the celebration of life service for the Rev. John W. Murray III.

The Rev. John W. Murray III

Also known as Jack, he was an Episcopal priest who passed away peacefully at the age of 85. He was a native of Charleston, South Carolina and was raised at Grace Church Cathedral, where he first discerned his calling to the priesthood.

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What they’re saying

“The celebration of life service at St. John's Cathedral in Jacksonville, Florida honored the legacy of a beloved Episcopal priest who dedicated his life to serving his community and the church.”

— The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll, Preacher

The takeaway

The Rev. John W. Murray III's life and ministry left a lasting impact on those he served, as evidenced by the heartfelt celebration of his life at St. John's Cathedral. His dedication to the Episcopal church and his compassionate pastoral care will be remembered by the community he served for decades.